Abstract: A magnetic-stripe card, with an associated card-reader, provides the apparatus supporting a method to change the configuration of a printer, scanner, or, other peripheral device in a stand alone environment or in a networked environment. A network may be defined as “two or more devices communicating”. The method comprises programming the card with selected configuration data, such as character-font selection, serial baud-rate, or, in the case of a scanner, document-rotate, auto-stamp, scan-resolution, duplex-scan ON/OFF, and other parameters. The card may be swiped at a slot in the peripheral device directly, or through a portable reader, or, even from a reader permanently connected within a LAN. Data on the card alerts the device to be reconfigured of its intent by way of resident utility software on the device, and, within the host, if present. When the transaction is accepted, the data is transmitted to the selected device to rewrite selected configuration parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning documents such as ID cards and bank checks that includes hinged cover and base assemblies. The base includes motor driven drive rollers for conveying a document along a paper path defined between the cover and base. The cover includes a plurality of pinch rollers forming part of a floating deck that is carried by cover structure and which is spring biased towards the base assembly. Two side-by-side scanning regions are provided, one of which is configured to scan flexible documents, the other of which is configured to scan rigid media such ID cards. Sensors detect the position of the document. A solenoid driven, replaceable ink stamp imprints a document to indicate that it has been scanned. A weight biased diverter is deflected by rigid documents to enable exit through a slot. An entrance guide includes an offset guide wall to improve feeding.

Abstract: A printer that can be configured either as a dot matrix/impact printer or an inkjet printer. A printer frame mounts a carriage mechanism for reciprocally moving a head carrier. An adapter secures a printhead to the carrier; the adapter being configured to accept a predetermined type of printhead. A compensator/feeder assembly is pivotally movable between a printing position and a printer open position at which a slot for receiving a form is defined. The compensator/feeder assembly mounts a printer bar which is positioned in a confronting relationship with the printhead when the assembly is in the printing position. A compensator drive arrangement is fixed to a base and effects movement in the feeder assembly.

Abstract: A drive method for an impact-printhead solenoid is provided that improves power efficiency with an extremely simple circuit configuration and no sensors. Consisting only of a power-FET (Field-Effect Transistor) and PWM (pulse-width-modulation) signals from a printer-controller, this system, using a novel PWM frequency-optimization technique, reduces printhead power usage by as much as 13%.